So the wife and I are considering a Xterra as a option. Right now a '02-'04 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 v8 is our fallback vehicle. I would like to find out some things regarding the Xterra
Main use will be expedition cross country just in North America will tow a AT Chaser trailer and run on light trails.
What current Xterra owners think of them?
What are good years to look for?
Do I want a certain trim level or package?
I have heard the front end of the Gen 2s are "weak" any explanation?
Auto or manual?
1st Gen or Second?
Is the 2nd gen really worth it to get the 4.0 with the extra 30hp bump from the gen1 3.3?
What years came with the Dana 44?
how do i find the right model with the factory E-Locker and is it worth it?
What should I avoid?
and any "common" problems or know issues?
This may seem like a lot of questions but I have been in Jeep for the last 15 years so This ill be something new to learn all over again.
Thank you
I have used my Xterra for towing quite often. It is a very good tow platform after upgrading the rear leaves. Do not opt for lift shackles without new leaves too as they make the sag even worse. You will be happy with the truck and it's towing ability.
I love my truck. I use it to commute 500 miles a week back and forth to school. It loves gas, but I knew that when I bought it (wasn't commuting at the time). I smile every time that I get in the truck, and as long as it continues to make me happy, I will continue to keep it, mod it, and wheel it.
As said earlier, look for a 2007+. Those are the second gens which got the unarguably better engines. Don't let the timing chain discussion worry you. It appears Nissan has gotten that fixed in the newer models, and anything used will make a supercharger whining noise fairly early in life (around 50000-60000 miles seems to be the normal). Mine doesn't have the issue, and it is at 124000 miles.
It used to be that the OR or Pro-4X was the package to go for, but now that ARB has released front and rear lockers for ALL model Second Gens, I don't feel like that is the case anymore. The Nissan rear axle (C200k) behind the X, S, and SE trims has a history of being stronger and more reliable than the Dana 44 Variant (M226) that is under all manual transmission and Off-Road/Pro-4X models. All of this was based on my research on
www.thexterra.org (which happens to be the best site for second gen information).
As mentioned, the front differential is aluminum while the gears are made of steel. If a tire hits the ground spinning, it could cause the gears to shear, releasing a chunk and forcing it through the aluminum case. I have personally never had it happen, nor seen it happen, but there are multiple fixes for this issue. ARB's R180 locker is supposed to fix some of the unreliability of the front differential, also you can put in the M205 differential from the Titan, Armada, or QX56. With this setup, you can run the M205 half shafts off of a Pathfinder V8 and keep the stock track width, or you can run the UCAs, LCAs, and half shafts off of a Titan and gain an additional 2 inches per side width.
I would opt for the automatic because it is easier for me to off-road with one, but that is just personal opinion. If you get the auto, do the radiator bypass and install an extra cooler, if you go manual, plan on replacing the clutch more often due to towing.
I believe the HP bump in the 2nd gen is 45 over the SC 1st Gen, and 80 over the NA 1st Gen. It was worth it for me.
The D44 Variant can be found under all 2005-2012 Off Road/Pro-4X and manual transmission models. Off-Road/Pro-4X models came with the locker. I would rather have the ARB myself, but either will treat you well.
If I were you I would look for an S model or an Off-Road/Pro-4X model. The options that were available on the SE are not really worth the extra money, and the 17 inch wheels make for some slightly more expensive wheels. The only option that the SE came with that isn't easily addable was the on-board trip computer that tells you your fuel mileage, but if you drive an X, your fuel mileage sucks and most likely you won't want to know it. The Off-Road/Pro-4X model's main options (locker, skids, better suspension) are addable to the S model (and you can get better stuff). There are a few buttons (down hill assist...) that cannot be added, but that wasn't a deal breaker for me. Good luck with your purchase!
